As of 23 February 2026, the industry is experiencing low availability of RAM, driven largely by increased demand from AI-related build-outs. This is already impacting server supply chains and is expected to create knock-on effects across certain networking products that rely on similar component supply and manufacturing capacity.
Key Infomation
- What’s happening: RAM supply is constrained and suppliers are prioritising allocations.
- What’s affected: RAM first; some Cisco, Extreme and Fortinet LAN switches, wireless access points (APs), and WAN routers may see longer lead times and pricing pressure (model-dependent).
- What we’re doing: We’re working with distributors and vendors to secure allocation, propose equivalents, and protect critical projects.
- What you should do next: See actions below to reduce delivery and cost risk.
Impact snapshot (indicative; varies by model/region)
| Category | Current status | Typical lead-time range | Pricing status | Recommended action |
| RAM | Constrained / allocation | 4–12+ weeks | Shorter quote validity / potential repricing required | Share forecast; place POs early |
| LAN switches | Select SKUs constrained | 3–10+ weeks | Shorter quote validity / potential repricing required | Approve equivalents; standardise configs |
| Wireless APs | Select SKUs constrained | 2–8+ weeks | Shorter quote validity / potential repricing required | Consider phased rollouts; earlier ordering |
| WAN routers | Select SKUs constrained | 4–12+ weeks | Shorter quote validity / potential repricing required | Confirm BOM early; allow substitutions |
Actions you can take now
- Share a 60–90 day forecast for critical SKUs/projects (even rough quantities help).
- Prioritise “must-deliver” deployments so we can target allocation to the right sites.
- Approve equivalent substitutions (where feasible) across memory sizes, port densities, or bundle options.
- Place purchase orders earlier to secure allocation (quotes don’t reserve stock).
- Ask us to design for availability: standardised configurations can reduce risk.
If you’d like a project-specific assessment (your top SKUs, likely lead times, and alternatives), speak to your Account Director and we’ll turn this around quickly. Disclaimer: Lead times and pricing are subject to change based on vendor allocation and market conditions. Allocation is not guaranteed until PO acceptance and vendor confirmation. Regional differences may apply.
FAQ’s
1. Why is this happening?
RAM supply is constrained due to increased demand across the sector, particularly from AI-related infrastructure build-outs. When memory availability tightens, manufacturers and distributors often move to allocation models (prioritising certain orders). This can also affect production schedules and logistics for adjacent hardware categories.
2. Which products are affected in Maintel’s portfolio?
RAM is the primary constraint. We’re also monitoring selected Cisco, Extreme and Fortinet LAN switches, wireless APs, and WAN routers where vendors indicate component or capacity bottlenecks. Impact varies significantly by model, configuration, and region.
3. Which specific models are affected?
This is SKU-dependent and can change quickly. The fastest way to confirm is to share your shortlist (or bill of materials) with your Account Director, and we’ll return current vendor guidance on lead times and available alternatives. Where possible, we’ll propose equivalent substitutions.
4. How long will it last?
At this time, vendors have not provided a definitive end date we can rely on. We are tracking changes in allocation status, lead-time guidance, and pricing signals weekly and will update customers if there’s a material change.
5. Will prices increase?
We’re seeing upward price pressure on RAM and on certain affected configurations where supply is constrained. Not every product will change, and impacts may differ by region and vendor. We will be transparent on any price movement at quote time and flag risks for long-lead items.
6. Will you honour existing quotes and contract pricing?
Where pricing is contractually agreed, we will follow the terms of the agreement. For standard (non-contract) quotes, vendors may shorten validity periods or change pricing based on allocation and market conditions. Your Account Director can confirm quote validity and options to reduce exposure (e.g., earlier PO, substitutions).
7. Will this affect our SLAs (service level agreements) or support?
Support delivery remains our priority. If replacement hardware lead times become constrained for a specific platform, we’ll discuss mitigation options (spares strategy, approved substitutes, staged deployment, or alternative models). We won’t overpromise—if there’s a risk, we’ll flag it early.
8. What can we do to reduce risk right now?
Share a 60–90 day forecast for critical items, prioritise “must-deliver” sites/projects, and place POs earlier for long-lead hardware. Approving equivalent substitutions (where feasible) also improves the chance of meeting your timeline. Standardising configurations can reduce supply complexity.
9. What alternatives do you recommend?
Alternatives depend on your technical requirements (throughput, port density, licensing, PoE, radio specs, security features). Common levers include adjusting memory sizes, selecting adjacent models, changing bundle options, or standardising on fewer configurations. We’ll propose options that maintain your functional requirements and compliance needs.
10. How should we place orders and forecasts?
Send your forecast and priorities (project names, desired dates, and “must-have” vs “nice-to-have”). Where possible, place POs earlier—quotes don’t reserve stock. Once a PO is accepted and vendor-confirmed, we can give the most reliable delivery expectation and keep you updated on milestones.